Political Notebook: Macon senator named 2015 New Legislator of the Year

State Sen. John F. Kennedy, R–Macon, was named a 2015 New Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce on June 3 by the state business advocacy organization.

“I am humbled to have been recognized by the Georgia Chamber as New Legislator of the Year after my first legislative session,” Kennedy said. “It has been an eye-opening journey that would not have been possible without the voices of my constituents and the support and guidance from my fellow legislators.”

Kennedy was recognized for his leadership and commitment in the senate.

Kennedy serves as an Administration Floor Leader, representing the 18th Senate District, which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston counties.

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The Georgia Commission on Family Violence is a state agency that was created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1992 to develop a comprehensive state plan for ending family violence in Georgia.

EPPS, PEAKE NAMED TO STATE HOUSE COMMITTEES

State Rep. Bubber Epps, R-Dry Branch, was named this week as chairman of the House Small Business Development Committee. Epps also will serve as secretary of the Transportation Committee.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, was named vice chairman of the House Rules Committee. Peake also serves as a member of the House Small Business Development Committee.

A LAWYER AND A REALTOR WALK INTO A MEETING...

During a work session about the Land Bank Authority Tuesday, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reich­ert, a former attorney, and Commissioner Mallory Jones, a real estate agent, felt the need to defend their chosen professions.

At one point, Reichert asked why the land bank had a separate corporation listed in its organization.

Local attorney Brian Adams was appointed by the Economic and Community Development Committee to serve on the Development Authority of Macon-Bibb County.

The authority was created to facilitate trade, commerce as well as provide financing for projects for air and water pollution control. Adams will serve beginning July 1 with a term ending June 30, 2019.

Also Tuesday, the Public Safety Committee appointed Commissioner Elaine Lucas and residents Violet Poe and Michael Ryan to the recently created Pedestrian Safety Fatality Review Board, which reviews all fatal accidents to ensure property safety protocols are in place.